Health
Try these 9 natural ways to detoxify and cleanse your liver
By NCVC Staff | Published on Sep 20, 2023
The liver is like the unsung hero of our body, protecting us from numerous diseases and keeping our energy levels high. It is undoubtedly one of the most important organs, and we must take care of it to maintain optimal health. On World Liver Health Day, observed every April 19, let’s explore some natural ways to detoxify and cleanse the liver. We reached out to Dr Mickey Mehta, a leading holistic health guru and corporate life coach, for his valuable insights.
Change Your Lifestyle for a Healthy Liver
The first step towards a healthy liver is adopting a healthier lifestyle. Dr Mehta highlights the importance of consuming foods that are easy on the liver and promote energy liberation in the body. It is crucial to focus on cool foods, practice yoga and exercise regularly, and take time to relax. By making these changes, you can cleanse your liver and bring back the balance in your energy levels.
Exercise and Yoga for Liver Rejuvenation
Regular exercise and yoga can work wonders for your liver functions. Dr Mehta suggests specific yoga asanas, such as Mandukasana, Pavanamuktasana, Paschimottanasana, Naukasana, Adho mukha shavasana, and Shavasana, multiple times a day to relax your muscles and organs. Additionally, incorporating meditation and Anulom vilom into your routine can aid in liver cleansing.
Embrace a Healthy Diet
A clean and nutritious diet plays a vital role in liver cleansing. Dr Mehta recommends incorporating certain fruits like pomegranate, Musk melon, honeydew melon, and apples, as they assist in detoxifying the liver. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower, along with green leafy vegetables such as spinach, amaranth, Suva, and others, also contribute to liver health. Nuts, seeds, dry fruits, and good fats like those found in olives and olive oil provide nourishment to the liver. On the flip side, it is important to avoid overeating and stay away from refined, packaged, fried, or heavily processed foods.
Cleansing Tea Recipe
Dr Mehta shares an Ayurvedic cleansing tea recipe that works wonders for the liver. Boil a pinch of turmeric powder in a cup of water for a few minutes. Once cooled, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. If desired, sweeten with a teaspoonful of honey. This tea, consumed before ingesting anything or two hours after a meal, helps keep the bowels, liver, and blood clean by facilitating elimination.
Beneficial Herbs for Liver Health
Certain bitter-tasting and cooling herbs and foods have a positive impact on liver health. Aloe vera, neem, bitter gourd, Indian gooseberry (amla), and turmeric are known to possess protective and liver-boosting properties.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is a crucial aspect of the liver cleansing process. Insufficient water intake can hamper liver function and impede waste removal from the body. Drinking enough water allows for smooth blood flow through the liver, aiding the filtration process.
Explore Ayurveda Therapies
Ayurveda therapies, such as regular massages like Abhyangam, can contribute to liver cleansing. Other therapies like Vaman (medical vomiting) and Virechan (a Panchkarma therapy) may also be beneficial. Additionally, Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic healing method, indirectly impacts liver functions and supports recovery.
Laughter Therapy for Liver Health
Laughter is indeed the best medicine, even for the liver. Dr Mehta suggests that laughter helps eliminate toxic gases formed in the liver. When you laugh, your diaphragm moves up and down, providing a cleansing effect and revitalizing your liver by flooding it with oxygen.
Prioritize Self-Care
Lastly, make sure to prioritize self-care. Rest is essential for the liver, just like any other organ. Take time to breathe deeply, relax, meditate, and adopt sensible, intelligent, and ethical eating and exercise habits.
While these natural remedies can help maintain liver health, it is always advisable to consult a doctor if you experience persistent digestive issues or suspect any liver-related concerns. Remember, a healthy liver is crucial for overall well-being.
